Places in Sri Lanka To Spot Amazing Wildlife

The island country of Sri Lanka is famous for its rich natural diversity. It's the natural habitat for various wildlife ranging from huge animals to small but exotic types. If you ever get to visit this Asian country, there are places where you can spot amazing wildlife in abundance. So, here are the top places to visit in Sri Lanka to see nature close up.

Yala National Park

The Yala national park is a paradise valley that gives visitors the utmost wildlife experience. The park is home to fifty mammals and more than 200 flying creatures. It is also rumored to have the highest number of leopards in the world. The experience at Yala is comparable to seeing numerous episodes of NAT GEO WILD all at once. You get to see monkeys, bears, crocodiles, and colorful birds, among other interesting animals, when you visit the magnificent fauna lodge. As a natural habitat, animals are allowed to roam freely. In fact, birds take on their migratory journey and, as such, are not available in some parts of the year. The animals are easy to spot from a jeep -- they are accustomed to vehicles -- they are not scared nor would they attack.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

The Sinharaja forest reserve is regarded as a heritage site by UNESCO. A rainforest with abundant natural water sources. The adequate water supply gives the forest a lush green outlook. The trees in this wildlife park are rare species, with birds lurking in the branches. Birds are available in good numbers, both extinct and non-extinct species. Additionally, insects, big wild cats, and beautiful crawling mammals add to the biodiversity of the Sinharaja forest reserve.

Udawalawe National Park

The big land area of Udawalawe national park spans over 100 miles. The grassland of this park, the thick forest, and its water-rich nature contributes to the beauty of this blissful environment. However, the most intriguing aspect of the park is the elephant concentration. With 400 Asian elephants in the park, it's a top spot for lovers of this heavy animal species. When you visit the Udawalawe park, you should see the Walawe Reservoir and catch these elephants having a drink and flexing their trunks. Other hosts of wildlife to spot are deers, rare crocodiles, Water Buffalos, and a vast array of birds. Sloth bears, toque macaque, Jackals, and peacocks are also part of the fuana family. Since the land area is principally grassland, you can see the animals easily across the plain.

Kumana National Park

Kumana park is close to Yala park, although it's smaller and more serene. It's an ideal location for safari trips and sightseeing. The park, a combination of wetlands and the tropical forest, is riddled with many wildlife. Herds of elephants, leopards, and bears are common animals. If you have a thing for aquatic life, then crocodiles, turtles, and buffalos reside in the water area of the park. There are birds in good numbers -- both the endemic species and the common types. The terrain has swampy sections that create a natural environment for animals that thrive in such a landscape. While this park may not be as popular as Colombo or Adam's peak, its wildlife variety makes it a must-visit place.

The Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya park provides an experience similar to other parks in Sri Lanka. Since it's not visited often as other popular types, the park is sure to radiate the rich effect of nature. The park has a good concentration of elephants basking in the lush green grasses. The water area is home to mugger crocodiles and several other aquatic life. Land animals like bears, leopards, and deer roam freely in the park. With a jeep or boat, you can move about smoothly and enjoy the view and atmosphere at Gal Oya Park. As you drive by the beautiful lakes, there are numerous species of birds that are constantly flying in the sky

Mirissa's Coast

If you're hoping to see if the stories of lovely beach views and palm trees in Sri Lanka are true, then the beach town of Mirissa is an ideal place to visit. It's the perfect place to enjoy the sands, the sunset, the water, and of course, to see many whale species. The aquatic wildlife of the coast is not limited to whales. You may be able to catch the sight of dolphins -- the spinner or bottlenose species.

The Kumana national park

The terrain in the Bundala national park shelters an assortment of wildlife. The number of enchanting birds here makes it one of the best places to engage in bird watching. The park is a land area with dunes, wetlands, and scrub jungle—it has aquatic life in good numbers. For example, the water houses about five turtle species and marine birds like Pelican, flamingo, and peafowl. Big animals like leopards, bears, and sloths are animals to also look out for during your visit. Monkeys and wild pigs are also amazing attractions in the park.

Hikkaduwa Marine National Park

Marine wildlife is as beautiful as the terrestrial types. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts have an opportunity to witness the beauty underneath the waters at the Hikkaduwa marine national park. The Park is one of the two marine parks in Sri Lanka. It's accessible to visitors who love the underwater thrill. Declared a nature reserve in the early 1980s, the reefs in Hikkaduwa are a gem. It's a paradise with bright-colored corals, boulders, seagrasses, and over 50 species of living things. While snorkeling, you'll get to watch sea turtles, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and a host of aquatic lives.

Horton Plains

Standing over 2000 meters above sea level, the Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, also known as the roof of the island, is a must-visit if you are in the country to see wildlife. The area is a flourishing land that has montane grasses, some parts are forested, and overall this part of Sri Lanka is usually cool. You may not find elephants here, but there are a hundred and one varieties of walking, crawling, and flying animals to see. The Deer are one of the enchanting animals you'll spot between tall grasses. If you are accustomed to squirrels the size of rabbits, then you are in for a surprise. Giant squirrels are the norm on these plains. Cats, wild boars, and lizards in bright colors are among the wildlife found in the Horton Plains. If you thought birds wouldn't be mentioned, then you're wrong. Horton has both migratory birds and rare birds -- they are available in large numbers.

Wasgamua National Park

Wasgamua park is an excellent place to spot elephants. Elephants here are bigger than most places in Sri Lanka. If you are fascinated by this large animal, you should go the Wasgamua park. And like anywhere in Sri Lanka, birdwatching is an experience to relish in this park. The Lanka Blue Magpie and Red-faced Malkoha are among the variety to see. It's also home to other types of big and small mammals. The forest adds to the beauty and naturalness of the park. It's a must-visit! Overall, parks in Sri Lanka are good for sloth bear sightings, access to exclusive animals you may have only seen on the TV screens or as pictures on mobile devices, and access to animal conservation -- especially for endangered species. And considering the plethora of experiences the parks offer, it's challenging to choose the best. So select any, and you are sure to have a fantastic experience.

Wilpattu National Park

First, monkeys are things at Wilpattu. Secondly, it's the largest park in Sri Lanka( maybe this should have come first anyway...). Wilpattu has many other natural things in the reserve. Although it's one of the largest in the country, it's not a place bustling with people, and it remains one of the most natural parks in Sri Lanka. The wildlife scenery is amazing as it has a number of regal leopards, crocodiles, peafowl, and fowls. These animals and more parade the park freely. Get your camera and be ready to take beautiful pictures.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu lies northwest of Sri Lanka. It's famous for its gorgeous lakes and is regarded as the biggest national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve is a perfect place to soak in nature to the fullest. Although it's the largest park, it's not often visited by people. Hence, the authenticity of the park is unscathed. It remains highly natural and undisturbed. As you travel across the waters and land area, you'll see crocodiles in the rivers and species of peafowl. Lizards, tortoises, and birds are abundant too.